Current:Home > MarketsJulia Louis-Dreyfus rejects claims it's 'impossible' for comedians to be funny today -ProfitLogic
Julia Louis-Dreyfus rejects claims it's 'impossible' for comedians to be funny today
View
Date:2025-04-19 04:42:18
Julia Louis-Dreyfus is continuing to reject complaints about the modern comedy landscape.
The "Seinfeld" star, 63, pushed back against the idea that comedians can't be funny today during an interview on Monday's episode of the "On with Kara Swisher" podcast.
"I personally don't buy the conceit that this is an impossible time to be funny," she said. "Maybe some people aren't laughing at your jokes, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be made."
In fact, Louis-Dreyfus argued it's a "ripe time" for comedy, adding, "Comedy is risky, and it can be offensive, but that's what makes it so enjoyable — not that it's offensive, but that it's risky. It can be very truth-telling."
Louis-Dreyfus' comments come after she recently told The New York Times that it's a red flag when comedians complain about political correctness ruining comedy.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
"When I hear people starting to complain about political correctness — and I understand why people might push back on it — but to me that's a red flag, because it sometimes means something else," she said. "I believe being aware of certain sensitivities is not a bad thing. I don't know how else to say it."
Julia Louis-Dreyfuscalls PC comedy complaints a 'red flag' after Jerry Seinfeld comments
That stance stood in contrast to that of her former "Seinfeld" co-star Jerry Seinfeld, who in April told The New Yorker that there is barely any comedy on television anymore because of "the extreme left and PC crap, and people worrying so much about offending other people."
Seinfeld also suggested some of the storylines from "Seinfeld" would not be allowed today.
Julia Louis-Dreyfusis having her movie-star moment: 'I'm down for the ride and I'm digging it'
"We did an episode of the series in the '90s where Kramer decides to start a business of having homeless pull rickshaws because, as he says, they're outside anyway," the comedian said. "Do you think I could get that episode on the air today?"
Louis-Dreyfus, though, told the NYT that "political correctness, insofar as it equates to tolerance, is obviously fantastic," and the bigger threat to comedy is the "consolidation of money and power" and "all this siloing of studios and outlets and streamers and distributors."
She expanded on this on the "On with Kara Swisher" podcast, saying she is "worried about the corporatization of arts" and concerned that A24 is "one of the very few, if not the last," remaining independent studios making "unusual" films like her dramatic new movie "Tuesday."
Louis-Dreyfus starred as Elaine Benes on "Seinfeld" and later played Selina Meyer in the HBO political satire "Veep," which aired from 2012 to 2019 and frequently shocked viewers with its edgy jokes.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus has turned down hosting the Oscars 'a few times'
Meanwhile, Louis-Dreyfus also appeared on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast Monday and revealed she has turned down hosting the Oscars "a few times," noting doing so would "scare" her.
"You have to really want to do it, and I don't really want to do it," the Emmy winner said. "You have to go out there and be really just delighted to be hosting the Academy Awards, and I cannot say that I would have that feeling."
She added, "No offense to everyone."
veryGood! (2633)
Related
- Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam
- Isla Fisher Breaks Silence With Personal Update After Sacha Baron Cohen Breakup
- Chicago Fire Star Taylor Kinney Marries Model Ashley Cruger
- Isla Fisher Breaks Silence With Personal Update After Sacha Baron Cohen Breakup
- Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
- Walmart layoffs: Retailer cuts hundreds of corporate jobs, seeks return to office
- 12 SKIMS Bras Every Woman Should Have, According to a Shopping Editor
- Roaring Kitty trader returns, causing GameStop shares to jump more than 70%
- Retirement planning: 3 crucial moves everyone should make before 2025
- Chicago Fire Star Taylor Kinney Marries Model Ashley Cruger
Ranking
- New data highlights 'achievement gap' for students in the US
- Bill Burr declares cancel culture 'over,' Bill Maher says Louis C.K. was reprimanded 'enough'
- Colorado city agrees to settle police beating lawsuit for $2.1 million
- Harry Jowsey Shares What He’s Learned Following Very Scary Skin Cancer Diagnosis
- Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
- Movie armorer appeals conviction in fatal shooting of cinematographer by Alec Baldwin
- Veteran DEA agent sentenced to 3 years for bribing former colleague to leak intelligence
- Meet The Real Housewives of Atlanta's Newly Revamped Season 16 Cast
Recommendation
Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
Below Deck Med’s Captain Sandy Yawn Marries Leah Schafer on Luxurious Yacht
Sun shoots out biggest solar flare in nearly a decade, but Earth should be safe this time
Bachelor Nation's Daisy Kent Confirms New Romance After Joey Graziadei Breakup
North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
Man finds winning $1 million lottery ticket in stack of losing tickets in living room
Edmonton Oilers pull even with Vancouver Canucks after wild Game 4 finish
Mixed-breed dog wins Westminster Dog Show's agility competition for first time